Nipple-areolar complex: normal anatomy and benign and malignant processes.

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Breast Imaging
• Pathology

Background:

• The nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is susceptible to diverse developmental variations and pathological processes.
• Conditions affecting the NAC range from benign conditions like eczema and papillomas to malignant diseases such as Paget disease and breast cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the spectrum of conditions affecting the NAC.
• To emphasize the need for diagnostically specific imaging evaluations for NAC disorders.
• To guide radiologists in selecting appropriate imaging modalities for various NAC pathologies.

Main Methods:

• Review of benign and malignant conditions affecting the NAC.
• Discussion of clinical presentations including nipple discharge, skin changes, and palpable masses.
• Overview of diagnostic imaging techniques: mammography, ultrasonography, galactography, and MRI.

Main Results:

• Various benign processes (eczema, duct ectasia, adenomas, abscesses) and malignant processes (Paget disease, lymphoma, breast cancer) can affect the NAC.
• Patient presentations are diverse, including developmental variations, nipple changes, discharge, masses, and skin alterations.
• Specific imaging modalities are crucial for accurate diagnosis of NAC disorders, often supplemented by clinical evaluation.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis of nipple-areolar complex disorders relies on understanding their unique characteristics and employing specific imaging strategies.
• A multidisciplinary approach, integrating clinical assessment with advanced imaging, is essential for effective patient management.
• Radiologists play a critical role in differentiating benign from malignant entities within the NAC through tailored imaging evaluations.